After a rollercoaster opening Test in Brisbane, the British & Irish Lions head to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground this Saturday holding a 1-0 series lead over Australia. On paper, it’s advantage Lions. In reality, there’s a sense that the tourists still have unfinished business.
The 27-19 scoreline from the first Test doesn’t tell the whole story. The Lions were dominant for 50 minutes, leading 24-5 early in the second half, and looked poised to blow the Wallabies away. But the final half hour told a different tale. The intensity dropped, the Wallabies rallied, and what should have been a statement win became a nervy finish. Now, with the second clash set in one of the sport’s most iconic arenas, the Lions have an opportunity to put the series to bed, and this time, with a performance that reflects their true potential.
The Lions: Ruthless Start, Worrying Fade
Last Saturday, the Lions came out firing. Within the opening minute, Tom Curry had flattened James Slipper, Tadhg Beirne won a penalty at the breakdown, and Finn Russell slotted three points. From there, it looked like the Lions were in a different league. Sione Tuipulotu, playing on his home turf in Brisbane, became the first Scot in 28 years to score a Lions Test try, finishing a slick Russell move with flair. Curry and Sheehan followed with tries of their own, as the tourists raced into a commanding lead.
But then came the fade. Sloppy penalties. Broken structure. A lack of discipline and focus that allowed the Wallabies back into the match. Late scores from Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott narrowed the margin, and although Marcus Smith’s penalty gave the Lions breathing room, the final whistle brought more relief than celebration.
It was a win, but one that left plenty of questions on the table.
Squad News: Subtle Changes, Big Statements
Andy Farrell has made several changes to the Lions’ starting XV for the second Test, each with a clear tactical purpose. Bundee Aki replaces Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre, a physical shift that signals an intent to dominate the midfield collisions. Aki’s direct running and defensive steel alongside Huw Jones should give the Lions a hard edge in the middle of the park. In the pack, Andrew Porter comes in for Ellis Genge at loosehead, bringing extra set-piece power and durability, while Ollie Chessum starts in the second row in place of Joe McCarthy.
Despite the tweaks, the spine of the team remains unchanged. Finn Russell keeps the 10 shirt after a masterclass in Brisbane, where he controlled the first half with vision and flair. Jamison Gibson-Park continues at scrum-half, while the back three of Keenan, Lowe, and Freeman offers balance, security, and strike threat. The unchanged back row of Beirne, Curry, and Conan will once again be key at the breakdown.
Farrell’s selections suggest a game plan built around physical dominance, field control, and fast transitions. With power up front and creativity in the backs, the Lions will look to start strong and finish the job, and if they can produce a more complete 80-minute performance, Australia may struggle to stay in the contest.
Australia: Signs of Life, and Danger
If the first half in Brisbane was brutal viewing for the Wallabies, the second half at least showed signs of life. Replacements like Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott injected urgency, and Joseph Suaalii came close to scoring before being denied by the TMO. It wasn’t enough to change the result, but it gave Australia something to build on.
Joe Schmidt has responded with changes to the starting XV for the second Test, including the return of Will Skelton in the second row and Rob Valetini at blindside flanker, two major reinforcements in the physical battle. Tizzano and McDermott remain on the bench, but there’s a clear shift toward greater power and stability.
Melbourne’s MCG offers a different atmosphere altogether. A packed house, a grander stage, and a Wallabies side desperate to keep the series alive. But even with the changes, they’ll need something special to stop a Lions team that, for all its second-half flaws in Brisbane, still looked a level above.
Key Battles to Watch
- Finn Russell vs Tom Lynagh
Russell brings flair and big-match experience, while Lynagh is still raw at this level. The Lions will be looking to test him early. It’s a clear contrast in experience, and could be a defining battle. - Aki & Jones vs Ikitau & Suaalii
Aki’s introduction changes the dynamic in midfield. Expect physical collisions, gain-line battles, and big moments from both sides. - Breakdown Control
Beirne and Curry were exceptional last week, winning penalties and slowing down Wallaby ball. If they dominate again, the Lions will control possession, and likely the scoreboard. - Bench Impact
The Lions bench has serious firepower. Genge, Farrell, and Kinghorn offer a mix of aggression, control, and flair. But they’ll need to be sharper than they were in Brisbane, where the second half performance dropped off considerably.
The Stakes: A Chance to Seal It
The Lions haven’t won a Test series since 2013. A win in Melbourne would secure this one with a game to spare, a rare and valuable opportunity. But they’ll know better than anyone that Australia are wounded, recalibrated, and dangerous.
There’s also pride at stake. That first Test win, for all its brilliance, ended on a strange note. The Lions looked frustrated with themselves, as if they knew they’d left something behind. Now, with the world watching and the MCG waiting, they’ll aim not just to win, but to deliver a performance worthy of the jersey.
Expect fireworks. Expect impact. And expect this series to heat up.
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